"As a design writer, it’s part of my job to keep a finger on the pulse of interior design trends and know all the best places to shop. It’s honestly a dream. Not only do I love writing about beautiful homes for a living, but I also love decorating my own, and HomeGoods is one of my go-to places to shop. It’s a great place to find on-trend items at way cheaper prices than you’ll find elsewhere, and it’s always fun to search the shelves for hidden gems that others may have overlooked. However, some aisles can be hit or miss, and there are certain items I tend to avoid shopping for there. Read on for a few of my favorite items to shop for (and a few things I always skip) at HomeGoods.
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Shop: Baskets
I love a basket. You can use them for just about anything, and they add much-needed texture and warmth to your space. Baskets are one of those items I always shop for at HomeGoods because they are very reasonably priced and come in all shapes and sizes. I have several throughout my home that I use for dog toys, extra blankets, and laundry as well. Woven baskets can be pretty expensive at big box stores, but you can often snag extra-large ones for less than $50 at HomeGoods. A steal!
Shop: Throw Pillows
Throw pillows are such an easy way to mix up the vibe of your living room. HomeGoods always has an incredible variety of pillows in different shapes, sizes, colors, and textures, so I make sure to peruse this aisle whenever I hit the store. They organize them by color, too, so it’s easy to sift through and find what you need. You can always count on HomeGoods to have seasonal colors and prints available as well. I tend to stick with neutrals, but when I need a pop of something (whether that’s color or texture), I head to HomeGoods! Pro tip: Take a picture of your sofa and have it up on your phone as you’re browsing. It’s an easy way to help you visualize what your pillows will look like on your couch and in your living room before you purchase!
Skip: Faux Florals and Greenery
While I never want to yuck anyone’s yum, there are a few items I generally steer clear of as I’m browsing, and one of them is the faux floral aisle. HomeGoods always has a huge section of faux florals and greenery, no matter the time of year. And while I will always recommend adding plants or flowers to a space, I tend to skip over this section because the florals always look especially fake. I’d prefer to invest in the real deal! This is also where spending a little bit more at a higher-end brand like Pottery Barn or Crate & Barrel is worth it, as their faux plants look a lot more realistic. If your space has adequate lighting, I say get a real plant, but if not, invest in a quality faux plant or floral arrangement elsewhere.
Shop: Accent Furniture
Furniture can be hit or miss at HomeGoods, but I always spot good accent pieces when I browse. Especially if you love rattan, wicker, or cane, the retailer always seems to have plenty of accent tables and chairs available in woven materials. I particularly loved the cane detailing on the back of this accent chair. And—perhaps surprisingly—there are some great furniture pieces in the bath section, including cute vanity seats. I scooped up a white velvet seat for my vanity a few years ago that I’m still obsessed with. If you’re looking for furniture with a high-end look and a low-end price tag, HomeGoods is a great place to look.
Skip: Decor with Writing
“HomeGoods quote aesthetic” is a thing. It’s the signs that read “Hello Fall” and “Live, Laugh, Love,” along with anything made by Rae Dunn. Do yourself a favor and skip the seasonal signs, the bowls that say “ramen” on them, and anything with an abundance of words. While I think most designers cringe at art or decor with lettering, I do think there is a tasteful way to include them in your home if you choose. Use decor with words sparingly (too much creates visual clutter), and choose a word or phrase that truly means something to you. Trust me, you don’t need a sign in your kitchen that says “kitchen.”
Shop: Velvet Hangers
Every professional organizer I know recommends velvet hangers. Swapping mismatched plastic hangers with sleek velvet ones is a simple way to streamline the look of your closet, and my go-to spot for hangers is HomeGoods. They usually have tons of different colors to choose from, but I recommend a neutral like black or beige. You can often find multipacks for less than $10, and they even offer hangers with clips for pants or skirts. Velvet hangers feel like an investment toward a beautifully organized home, but at HomeGoods, they don’t have to be a splurge.
Shop: White Dishware and Servingware
If you’re not quite ready to invest in fancy plates or serving dishes, head to HomeGoods. They always have plain white dishware available, and it truly never goes out of style. There’s always a wide variety as well—you can count on finding plates, bowls, serving platters, and more in classic white that’ll match any kitchen or occasion. For a little added something, look for pieces with some texture, like fluted detailing or a gold or silver trim. If you opt for pieces with metallic trim, however, be sure to check that they’re microwave-friendly. I have a few bowls with a gold trim from HomeGoods that are not safe for the microwave, and I learned that the hard way, so be sure to read the label!
Kristen Garaffo, Contributing Writer
Kristen Garaffo is a Washington DC-area-based freelance writer. She specializes in home and lifestyle content and loves helping others live their best lives at home and beyond. She has been writing for all sections on The Everygirl since 2021.